Vermissa Valley - PRR 1960s

[MichaelWinicki]

Like the static grass between the rails... Gives it a great look!

Don't hesitate using some even larger ground foam for weed clumps.  A few larger ones here and there will create a nice contrast.

[chicken45]

Not to jack your thread, but I'm modeling the Alleghenies. What kinds of rocks out there?
I was an IT major in college. So no help from that!  :

[Hornwrecker]

I'm pretty sure that the area you're modeling is all sedimentary rocks, from what I remember: shale, sandstone and limestone.  I model the northern end of them, the same rocks, but with more chaotic folding, and with some changes in them from pressure, hence the coal being anthracite vs bituminous for your region.  Take things farther north, into the Adirondacks, then the rocks get metamorphosed with lots of intrusions and other neat stuff.

It's been awhile since I've been in the area, and then I spent more time trainwatching than geologyzing.  What county are you modelling?  You should probably post that info in your thread, with the question.  I'll have a look at some maps to see what was around the mainlne in that area.

[3DTrains]

Not to jack your thread, but I'm modeling the Alleghenies. What kinds of rocks out there?

This should help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegheny_Front#Geology

[Hornwrecker]

More fun with static grass:

The pond on the upper level, to the north of the EL yard and passing siding.


The pond to the south of the PRR ladder track.


Went with a brighter green around the water areas.  I've noticed that the lower lying areas tends to green up faster in the spring.  At least that's how I remember it, maybe if it would ever warm up here, I could witness it live.

[MichaelWinicki]

Bob, you've done a fine job at differentiating sidings using different colors/amounts of ballast and the presence of grass around and between the rails. 

Nice.

[CodyO]

If you need any shots of certain areas that still exist in the spring let me know ill gladly get uyou some photos

[Hornwrecker]

Thanks, Cody; the only thing I can't find a photo of is a wide shot from the edge of the woods, early spring, with the understory trees blooming.  Redbud, dogwood, and mountain laurel in late April, early May, with the forest trees just starting to bud.  I've seen it when I visited the area, but every photo I took was of trains.  Go figure.

I've been a bit confused about what industry to put on a long siding off the PRR main.  I bought an Atlas Middlesex bldg to bash into something, but decided to put in a TOFC facility.  Buttonwood had a simple wood and gravel ramp, located somewhere in the yard.   Since I had no idea of how and where to duplicate it, I went with something grander.  The track will handle 6 50's or 3 89's.





Just look at this magnificent cast concrete ramp and loading dock, surrounded by the finest dirt and gravel lot that money could truck in.



Still need to distress the ramp, add wood guide rails, and find a concrete color that looks decent.  Also need to order the F30ds, and lots of Trainworx trailers.  I hope that the brown 85's show up soon.

[Lemosteam]

Loverly Bob!

[Dave V]

This is really coming together well!  I can't wait to see it with trees!

[CodyO]

Thanks, Cody; the only thing I can't find a photo of is a wide shot from the edge of the woods, early spring, with the understory trees blooming.  Redbud, dogwood, and mountain laurel in late April, early May, with the forest trees just starting to bud.  I've seen it when I visited the area, but every photo I took was of trains.  Go figure.

I`ll see what I can do, currently still 30ish here and spring seems far away but I will try to get over that way when spring comes

, and lots of Trainworx trailers.  I hope that the brown 85's show up soon.

Along with lots of budget! there awesome trailers but given that I normally pay less for rolling stock there on the someday wishlist!

Didn`t know buttonwood had a TOFC, Looks good and enforces my idea that I don`t need a huge area to model some TOFC

Check out this to try and find the placement I`m trying to find it now...
http://www.pennpilot.psu.edu/

EDIT: Map of the yard 1942 before TOFC might be helpful
http://pennsyrr.com/kc/maps/images/Buttonwood1.JPG

[chicken45]

Are some of those Sylvan trailers?

[Hornwrecker]

Dave, I think I'll get started on the trees sometime next month.  Time to start boiling them.  There is one dead tree on the layout, the handle for a removable section over a tunnel. I have to see if any of the old trees can be used on the layout, about five gallons worth of mostly green blobs.

Josh, those are mostly Atlas, Con-Cor and Classic Metal Works, with two Trainworx ones.  I'll be taking a bigger interest in trailers, something I've never paid much attention to.  Have you seen these:

http://www.ultimatenscale.com/n-scale-trailers.html

Cody, I think the track near the Car Repair Yard might be it, marked as Del. , maybe for Delivery(?).  Here's a photo of it, but with the house behind it, it doesn't fit the track arrangement for the Del. track.  Could be it got reversed?

http://www.gingerb.com/CNJ%20PRR%20Buttonwood%20Piggyback%20Ramp%20JUN%2021,%201966.jpg

Well, I'm not trying to make an accurate model of Buttonwood, just trying to make my layout sort of look like it:  an alternative universe Buttonwood Yard, to keep the nerd theme going.  Maybe an evil Buttonwood yard.  Put a goatee on it, so you know it's evil.

[Chevyconvertible]

Hi Bob,

I'm really looking forward to coming down to the shop this evening and spending some time with you and Joey Uboats. For anyone reading this, I downloaded an app. called Engine Driver from the Google play store on my Android phone for Bob's DCC system and it works perfectly! I now know that when I  revive my New York Central Layout (I know NYC on a Pennsy thread is completely obscene) I have decided to bite the bullet, teach a few extra French Horn lessons and get a DCC system. I will beg Bob  to wiire it up for me, and I will also bribe Joey Uboats to do his usual great job of laying track.

We should have a great running session this evening, I'm getting excited and want to get my layout revived.

[Lemosteam]

And you didn't invite me?  Have fun u guys!